Jimmy Talks Construction

James Starbuck
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  • BUSINESS

Jimmy Talks Construction is an Australian construction podcast focused on real conversations with builders, contractors, tradies, and business owners across the construction industry. Each episode dives into construction business growth, civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, leadership on site, hiring subcontractors, scaling trade businesses, and the real challenges of running a construction company in Australia. From infrastructure projects and heavy machinery to cash flow, management, and lessons learned the hard way, this podcast shares honest insights from people building successful construction businesses from the ground up.

  1. Toby Bowman (Director of C&N Plumbing Services) | Jimmy Talks Construction

    1D AGO

    Toby Bowman (Director of C&N Plumbing Services) | Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 45 of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Toby, Managing Director of C&N Plumbing Services, a South Australian commercial plumbing contractor celebrating 10 years in business. Toby shares his journey from apprentice plumber to commercial plumbing business owner, including the hard lessons learned through domestic plumbing, commercial projects, remote work, civil drainage, tendering mistakes, cash flow pressure and growing a team. This episode gets into the real issues construction business owners face every day — unpaid variations, “you’ll get paid when we get paid,” pipe shortages, labour challenges, culture, leadership, and the mental weight of being the person everyone looks to for answers. Jimmy and Toby also discuss why C&N Plumbing Services moved further into design and construct work, the problem with consultants and delayed approvals, and why lived experience matters more than theory when it comes to running a trade business. A must-listen for plumbers, builders, subcontractors, civil contractors, apprentices and anyone trying to grow a construction business in Australia.

    1h 11m
  2. Melbourne Chippy Chick - Steph Apostolides (Founder of Trady Lady Hire) | Jimmy Talks Construction

    APR 28

    Melbourne Chippy Chick - Steph Apostolides (Founder of Trady Lady Hire) | Jimmy Talks Construction

    In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Steph Apostolides (Melbourne Chippy Chick) — carpenter, content creator, and founder of Trady Lady Hire. Steph shares her journey from working with her dad on-site to becoming one of the most recognised female tradies in Australia. The conversation dives into the realities of working in construction, the challenges women face on-site, and why initiatives like Trady Lady Hire are reshaping the industry. They also break down: The truth about trade school vs real on-site experienceWhy most “qualified” operators aren’t actually skilledThe rise of female tradies in AustraliaWorkplace culture, equality, and what actually needs to changeHiring issues in construction (and why honesty matters)The fuel crisis and its impact on contractorsBuilding a business and brand in the construction industrySteph also explains how Trady Lady Hire connects homeowners with qualified female tradies - solving a major gap in the market. If you’re in construction, thinking about getting into the trades, or running a business in the industry — this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insights. Be sure to leave a 5 star review! Connect with Stef: 🌐 Website: www.tradieladyhire.com.au www.tradieladyclub.au 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melbournechippychick/ https://www.instagram.com/tradie.lady.club/ https://www.instagram.com/tradieladyhire/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melbournechippychick/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melbournechippychick Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 12m
  3. Jordan Chivers (Director of W.L. Chivers Plumbing) - Jimmy Talks Construction

    APR 21

    Jordan Chivers (Director of W.L. Chivers Plumbing) - Jimmy Talks Construction

    Jordan Chivers runs WL Chivers Plumbing - a 17-man Melbourne maintenance and emergency plumbing business that turns up in under an hour, 365 days a year. From a 14-year-old operating a Takeuchi TB108 to running one of Melbourne's go-to emergency plumbing outfits, Jordan has been on the tools since before he was out of Year 9. In this episode, Jimmy sits down with him - Managing Director of WL Chivers Plumbing - to talk about the reality of running a reactive, no-BS trade business: being raised by his old-school maintenance plumber dad Wayne, talking his way into an excavator at fourteen, digging sewers before he had a driver's licence, and how a handshake operation turned into a team doing 150–200 jobs a week for the RACV Emergency Home Assist program. It's a wide-ranging, operator-to-operator chat about the trade shortage, the fuel crisis, the PVC pipe shortage hitting the whole industry, and why the phone will always dictate the day. What we cover: • The trade shortage — how Melbourne went from graduating 1,000 plumbers a year to 200–300 • Why young tradies are choosing lollipop sticks on government infrastructure over apprenticeships • The fuel crisis, the PVC shortage, and the ripple effect through construction • Politicians, payroll tax, fuel excise and the Victorian business environment • Compliance, the "TikTok Inspector," and the new Building Plumbing Commission • Women in construction — pink trucks, pink excavators, and female managers • Why neither Jimmy nor Jordan has a written business plan • Showing up: the Australia Day call for a $1.5M job • Why AI will never install a toilet — and why trades are the most future-proof career going If you got something out of this one, drop a review — five stars, three thumbs up, whatever your platform lets you leave. It genuinely helps the show get in front of more tradies and operators. Subscribe for a new episode every week. Connect with Jordan: 🌐 Website: https://chiversplumbing.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chivers.plumbing/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumbcast.au/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wlchiversplumbing/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chivers-51a71395/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 12m
  4. David Alford (Managing Director of DBA Haulage) Jimmy Talks Construction

    APR 14

    David Alford (Managing Director of DBA Haulage) Jimmy Talks Construction

    In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with David “Alfie” Alford, Managing Director of DBA Haulage and one of the most experienced operators in Australia’s heavy haulage industry. Alfie shares the raw reality of building a business from scratch, losing everything early on, and fighting back through some of the toughest lessons in construction and transport. From running trucks at a young age to being buried under debt, dealing with liquidation, and working his way back into major heavy haulage projects — this episode dives deep into what it actually takes to survive in business. The conversation covers: The truth about business partnerships (and why they fail)Losing everything and rebuilding from zeroHeavy haulage at scale (1000-ton modules, tunnel boring machines & major infrastructure)Working with family in constructionLessons from failure that most people never talk aboutWhy “luck” in business is misunderstoodAlfie also shares stories from some of Australia’s biggest projects, including work on major infrastructure jobs and extreme heavy transport operations. If you’re in construction, transport, or running a business — this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight. Connect with Alfie: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbaheavyhaulage/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbahaulage/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 3m
  5. Illan Samuel (Managing Director of Samuel Property) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    APR 7

    Illan Samuel (Managing Director of Samuel Property) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    Episode 41 of Jimmy Talks Construction features Illan Samuel, Managing Director of Samuel Property Group, breaking down the reality of property development in today’s market. From running multi-residential projects worth hundreds of millions to navigating rising costs, delays, and financing challenges, Illan shares what it actually takes to survive — and grow — in the development game. This episode dives into the real pressures developers face, including interest rates, construction escalation, red tape, and why time is the biggest cost in any project. The conversation covers: Why development is harder now than everThe reality of cost blowouts and delaysHow developers manage risk and cash flowThe importance of hiring the right peopleWhy most people shouldn’t become developersLessons from scaling to $100M–$300M projects If you’re in construction, property, or business, this is a raw and honest look at how large-scale developments actually get done. Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business. Connect with Illan: 🌐 Website: https://www.samuel.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel.property/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illan_samuel/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelproperty/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samuel-property-pty-ltd/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illansamuel/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 8m
  6. Jesse Campbell (Construction Manager of City Circle Group) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 31

    Jesse Campbell (Construction Manager of City Circle Group) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 40 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jesse Campbell, Construction Manager at City Circle — one of Australia’s largest demolition and recycling companies. This episode dives deep into the reality of modern construction, from the shift away from traditional builders to project management-driven companies, through to the challenges of scaling large infrastructure projects across Victoria and Australia. Jesse shares insights from over 20 years in the industry, including his transition from tier-one building into demolition, and how City Circle has scaled to process nearly 2 million tonnes of concrete annually through demolition, recycling, and material reuse. The conversation covers: Why the construction industry has become more transactionalThe biggest mistakes in construction management todayHow large-scale demolition projects are actually deliveredThe pressure of major infrastructure projects and unrealistic timelinesWhy businesses can grow fast but still underperformThe real role of middle management in construction companiesHow collaboration between subcontractors can improve outcomesIf you’re in construction, civil, earthmoving, or running a contracting business, this episode gives a raw and honest look at what’s really happening on-site and behind the scenes. Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business. Connect with Jesse: 🌐 Website: https://www.citycirclegroup.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citycirclegroup/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycirclegroup/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-campbell-a302398a/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-circle-group/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 7m
  7. Jake Gorry (Director of Proline Metal Cladding) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 24

    Jake Gorry (Director of Proline Metal Cladding) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 39 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jake Gorry, founder and director of Proline Group — one of Australia’s fastest-growing cladding and façade contractors. Jake shares his journey from starting as a young carpenter working with his dad, to building a multi-division business delivering large-scale commercial cladding projects across Melbourne. The conversation dives deep into how Proline identified an opportunity in architectural metal cladding, mastered a niche skillset, and scaled from small residential jobs into working with Tier 1 builders on major projects. Jake breaks down the realities of building a construction business from the ground up — from cash flow challenges and early mistakes, to hiring, culture, and managing rapid growth across multiple sites and teams. Jimmy and Jake also discuss: How Proline grew from small jobs into major commercial projectsThe importance of cash flow and getting paid fastWhy culture is everything when scaling a construction businessThe risks and rewards of backing yourself in businessLessons from hiring, firing, and working with friends and familyWhy delivering bad news quickly builds long-term trustThe transition from on-the-tools to running a large operationHow systems, training, and leadership drive sustainable growthThis episode is packed with insights for contractors, business owners, and anyone looking to scale within the construction industry. Connect with Jake: 🌐 Website: https://www.prolinemetalcladding.com.au/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheFacadeShow 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolinegroupau 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prolinemetalcladding/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proline-aus/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 17m
  8. Shane Coleman (Director of Coleman Earth Industries) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 17

    Shane Coleman (Director of Coleman Earth Industries) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 38 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Shane Coleman, founder of Coleman Earth Industries and a former top-tier mining excavator operator. Shane shares his journey growing up in North Queensland, learning to operate machinery from a young age, and eventually working his way through Australia’s mining industry operating some of the largest excavators in the world. The conversation dives deep into the mindset required to become an elite digger operator, the importance of work ethic on mine sites, and how performance and reputation follow you throughout the industry. Shane explains how he walked away from a high-paying mining job to start his own excavation business, buying a 30-ton excavator and beginning the difficult process of finding work from scratch. From cold messaging companies on LinkedIn to door knocking civil contractors, he shares the realities of starting an earthmoving business with no guaranteed work. Jimmy and Shane also discuss: What separates elite operators from average onesThe techniques used to maximise production on large mining excavatorsWhy work ethic is the most valuable currency in the industryThe transition from employee to business ownerThe realities of building a reputation in construction and civil contractingWhy some operators move over 100,000 tonnes in a single shift This episode is packed with insights for anyone working in mining, civil construction, or looking to start their own earthmoving business. Connect with Shane: 🌐 Website: https://colemanearth.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleman_earth/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shane-coleman-376219103 Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 11m
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About

Jimmy Talks Construction is an Australian construction podcast focused on real conversations with builders, contractors, tradies, and business owners across the construction industry. Each episode dives into construction business growth, civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, leadership on site, hiring subcontractors, scaling trade businesses, and the real challenges of running a construction company in Australia. From infrastructure projects and heavy machinery to cash flow, management, and lessons learned the hard way, this podcast shares honest insights from people building successful construction businesses from the ground up.

Information

  • Creator
    James Starbuck
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © James Starbuck 2025
  • Show Website
    Jimmy Talks Construction

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